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What is CEDIA?

The Centre for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Arts, or CEDIA, is a cross-disciplinary, industry engaged research cluster based in the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media.

Two academics standing by CEDIA stand About CEDIA 

The Centre for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Arts, or CEDIA, is a cross-disciplinary, industry engaged research cluster based in ADM at BCU. CEDIA is concerned with researching and addressing issues related to inequalities and diversity in the arts and creative industries, particularly questions around the intersectional experiences of cultural work, socially engaged arts and cultural practice, tackling inequalities, mental health and wellbeing and environmental sustainability. The cluster is a dynamic and porous space which includes academics from across BCU and externally, practitioners and experts from the creative sector, and postgraduate students.

CEDIA is rooted in Birmingham and the West Midlands with international connections and influence. Members have worked with key cultural sector organisations in the region and beyond, including the West Midlands Combined Authority, Culture Central, Crafts Council, Royal Shakespeare Company and Creative Alliance. 

Our research 

Rooted in contemporary policy and practices, CEDIA focuses on issues around inclusion and diversity in the sector and its connection to contemporary issues. The areas we focus on in relation to inequalities and diversity in cultural work include:

  •        Intersectionality, gender, race, class, disability and LBTQIA+ experiences in cultural work
  •        Socially engaged arts practice and social enterprise 
  •        Social justice and activism
  •        Cultural policy, place and space 
  •        Cultural entrepreneurship 
  •        Digital media in cultural work, including social media and AI
  •        Pathways into cultural work 
  •        Decolonising the practices and aesthetics of cultural work
  •        Environmental sustainability 
  •        Health, mental health and wellbeing 

Meet the members of CEDIA here

If you are interested in connecting with CEDIA email Karen Patel karen.patel@bcu.ac.uk and Annette Naudin Annette.naudin@bcu.ac.uk